Twenty years of microplastic pollution research-what have we learned?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Materials Science

Background:

• The term microplastic was first used 20 years ago, prompting a review of current knowledge.
• Microplastics originate from diverse sources like tires, textiles, cosmetics, and paint, and fragmentation of larger plastics.
• These particles are ubiquitous in natural environments and the human body, with documented harm at various biological levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of microplastics.
• To refine definitions and explore future prospects of microplastic pollution.
• To highlight the need for effective solutions to mitigate microplastic contamination.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on microplastics.
• Analysis of environmental distribution and biological impact data.
• Assessment of current and proposed mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• Microplastics are confirmed to be widely distributed in ecosystems and detected in human tissues.
• Evidence suggests harm to organisms across multiple biological organization levels.
• Environmental microplastic contamination is projected to double by 2040, with predicted widespread harm.

Conclusions:

• There is emerging evidence of negative health effects in humans due to microplastic exposure.
• Public concern is rising, leading to international discussions on pollution control measures.
• Evidence on the effectiveness of potential solutions is crucial for addressing microplastic pollution and its risks.